Why horses?
Cats, Dogs, horses... what's the difference?
There is nothing like a 500kg Teacher…
By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participant's personality. As a prey animal, they are sensitive to the stimulus of each participant. They react to the stimulus through body language and participants must adjust their feelings and behaviours to work successfully with the horses.
What can a horse teach you that a human can't?
Horses consistently model assertiveness and teach us how.
Horses can't lie or over think a participant’s motive.
Horses feedback is honest and instant
Nature provides them with instincts and senses that are very astute.
Help to instill empathy and kindness in the participants.
Horses have natural "herd behaviours" that require trust, respect, and teamwork from all members of the team.
Horses automatically respond to confusion and frustration as these feelings can put the herd at risk.
They lead through assuredness - not brute force.
Horses have distinct personalities and through this, they all have different methods of teaching.
What makes us remember?
One of the many bonuses of working with horses vs a classroom setting is the component of interactivity because we all learn differently, but we can all take away lessons that we learn through our experiences.
Why will this program work over others we have tried?
We are one of a kind. We are different. We are unique and we are fun. We have research backing our programs with proven results and outcomes. The same actions bring the same results. With us, you have found the organisation to bring about the change your leaders and teams need to take you to that next level.
What group sizes do you work with?
We can work with groups up to 12 but the best size group for Life Skills Programs is 8.
Do I need experience with horses?
Absolutely not. Our program does not require you to ride a horse so no prior experience is necessary. We inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first and we can accommodate everyone’s different comfort levels around the horses.
What If I’m scared or don’t like horses?
No worries! If you aren’t being pushed out of your comfort zone, you aren’t learning. This is an opportunity to overcome your fears or preconceived notions. Some of the people who have attended our workshops have started out petrified, but by the end of the program, they have all learned more about themselves and overcome their fear.
What if it is raining or stormy? Or there are high winds?
Our programs are run in an outdoor arena. The programs run in light rain, however, heavy rain, thunder storms and high winds make the day unpleasant and even unsafe. We will reschedule your program or refund your money should this be the case.
Do we ride the horses?
No. All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work alongside the horses as part of your team for the best and true reaction of the horse and the most beneficial way of learning for you. This way the horse can be its true self.
Do I need certain clothing?
Although cowboy boots aren’t required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like closed toe shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We are outside, so a hat is a must.
Where do you run your programs? Is that far away?
Not at all! We run our programs at our facility at Kholo - just 45 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.
Are you certified?
Yes! Both Michelle and Amanda are certified through the Equine Connection - Academy of Equine Assisted Learning, which offers the only certified building block program in the World.
Are you insured?
Yes! We carry extensive liability insurance.
What about Blue Cards?
Both Michelle and Amanda have Working with Children Blue Cards and has a written Child Safety Policy.
What if I’m allergic?
Knowing is half the battle! Just be sure to take an allergy pill before you come.